My rehabilitation-related role: I work at Te Whatu Ora – Capital, Coast and Hutt Valley as an Allied Health Consultant in Rehabilitation. I work a mix of clinical practice as a physiotherapist in an early supported discharge service for people post stroke, and clinical leadership with a current focus on service improvement across the rehabilitation continuum of care.
Why rehabilitation is so important: For me, rehabilitation needs to be considered an essential part of healthcare, as it can support and enable people to live a full and meaningful life in the context of illness or injury.
A good day looks like... A run in the sun around the hills of Wellington, spending time with friends and family and drinking a strong coffee (or three!). Any day spent travelling is also a good day for me.
Anne Hawker - NZRA Secretary
My rehabilitation-related role: I am facilitator of the Disabled Older Peoples Group and member of Whaikaha's Strategic Advisory Group.
Why rehabilitation is so important: It provides opportunities for disabled people to live their best life in an environment that is inclusive and fully accessible.
A good day looks like... Catching up with friends, having a good discussion about what we can do to make a difference, cooking a meal for good friends and family, and having time to garden. Catching up with my family on Zoom.
Jono Boyce - NZRA Treasurer
My rehabilitation-related role: I am a Partner at Nexia New Zealand, based in Christchurch, and have joined the NZRA Executive as Treasurer.
Why rehabilitation is so important: While I'm not working within the rehabilitation space, I believe rehabilitation is important because it can assist with restoring quality of life, helping individuals recover and regain autonomy and their self-confidence after illness or injury.
A good day looks like... An early start with my young kids (1 and 3) and some fresh air outside, perhaps a visit to the Christchurch Farmers Market which is on our doorstep, a run or bike ride and a family movie night followed by a book in bed.
Dr Leanne Parker
What is your rehabilitation-related role: I work in the community as a Rehabilitation Physician clinically presently (and have done so for about the last 15 years), largely in Christchurch.
Why do you think rehabilitation is so important: People - those with long-term health conditions can benefit from external input via rehabilitation services thus I feel rehabilitation is important as it can add value to people and their lives - and I can add to that positively.
What does a good day look life for you? Definitely starting with coffee. At some point some exercise is great - a walk or surf, or hit of tennis. Sometimes I may attend the gym for a class. I also value catching up with friends when I can. I enjoy spending time with my family and though relaxing times are often in the weekends now (we have two teenagers) this is awesome too.
Dr Rachelle Martin - Past President
My rehabilitation-related role: I work as a lecturer at the Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit (RTRU) at the University of Otago Wellington, and as an independent disability and rehabilitation researcher.
Why rehabilitation is so important: I am committed to actively developing opportunities and environments that allow people and whānau to live well and flourish after injury or when living with long-term health conditions. Therefore, an important component of rehabilitation for me is advocating for enabling societies, full and meaningful participation for all, and research that is prioritised by the people most impacted by its’ findings!
A good day looks like.... A few hours reading my book in bed, a few hours playing in the garden, a few hours riding my e-Bike in the Port Hills, eating some good food with good friends, and listening to an ‘Off Menu’ podcast!
Prof Jean Hay-Smith
My rehabilitation-related role: I work at the Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka (University of Otago) providing postgraduate teaching and research supervision. I also work collaboratively in a number of national and international rehabilitation research teams.
Why rehabilitation is so important: Living a meaningful life is what most of us want. For people and whānau who experience long-term or chronic conditions, prolonged recovery after injury, or disability rehabilitation can contribute to living well now and over the life-course if rehabilitation is accessible, safe, effective and equitable.
A good day looks like …an espresso coffee looking out over Te Tai-o-Arorere (Tasman Bay) at sunrise, kōrero with my husband, family and friends, time in the garden and with a book or handcraft, ticking something off my ‘work’ list, and sound sleep.
Dr Annette Rotherham
My rehabilitation-related role: I am a speech-language therapist and researcher. I have a passion for aphasia rehabilitation and supporting the families and friends of people with aphasia to be excellent communication partners. I also work in older person's mental health supporting people with dementia and primary progressive aphasia live mana-enhancing lives.
Why rehabilitation is so important: As therapists, we aim to help people maximise their strengths, set goals, and participate in life to the best of their abilities. Rehabilitation is about empowerment and self-management. I have been involved in establishing the Aphasia and Disability Biking Group Charitable Trust, a peer-led organisation that enables people to go biking and participate in annual holidays.
A good day looks like … one where I feel I have made a difference, even just to one person, that might be one of my family, a colleague or a client/patient. You get that warm fuzzy feeling and know that is why we are here.
